Robert "Bob" Cajetan Appleman

Robert (Bob) Cajetan Appleman of Austin, TX passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the age of 57. He was born on May 6,1967 in Bethesda, MD and grew up in McLean, VA.

Bob was diagnosed with juvenile (type I) diabetes at the age of ten, and spent his youth not knowing if he would make it to thirty. This led him to live his life as if every day could be his last, and at the age of twenty-eight he was given an extended lease on life with a double organ transplant. While temporarily ending his diabetes, the drugs needed to sustain him would present numerous challenges over the next almost thirty years that he continued to face with grace and dignity. Although famously irreverent, Bob was a kind and gentle soul who would do anything for anyone in need.

Bob graduated from McLean High School in 1985.

Bob started his career in restaurant management where he met the love of his life, Penny. He then moved on to high tech where he spent many successful years as a consultant and manager. Bob had the unique ability to walk into an organization and quickly identify what needed to be done to improve productivity and deliver solutions.

Bob considered his greatest achievement in this world the raising of his son Clayton who has become a kind, caring and loving young man. He was hoping to be able to hold onto life long enough to see Clayton graduate this coming Spring from Texas State University.

Bob most enjoyed the simple things in life and derived joy from having friends and family over for a barbecue, relaxing at the beach or heading to Vegas for some light gambling and entertainment. He enjoyed helping and being of service to others as demonstrated in the joy he received from counseling future physical therapy students at St. Augustine University where he would share with them the challenges of life as an amputee. His spirit allowed him to always love life no matter those challenges that were put in front of him. As the baby of a large family, he grew up close to his mother, but he knew his true strength came from the relationship and love he shared with his wife, Penny.

Bob is preceded in death by his father – Stratton Mayfield Appleman, mother – Alice Josephine Appleman, brother- John Doyen Appleman and brother-in-law, Bill Gage.

Bob is survived by his wife Penny Appleman, son, Clayton Appleman, siblings, Kathy Gage, Susan (Tom) Doherty, Tom (Deborah) Appleman, Bill (Pat) Appleman, Mike (Lisa) Appleman, Mary Alice (Rick) Appleman (Provenzano), Jim (Lynne) Appleman, Beth (Jeff) Bogemann, Carol (Eric) Fox, Mother-in-law Sharalyn Foote, sister-in-law Kandi Malmquist, and a host of nieces and nephews.

His godparents were his siblings Bill Appleman and Susan Doherty.

The family would like to thank his doctors and support team for everything they have provided during the last few years. Special thanks to Dripping Springs Hometown Missions for their help with making the home accessible and always being there for us. A huge thank you to our friends that continue to hold us close every day.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at the home of Penny and Clayton Appleman on Sunday, November 10th from 2:00 – 5:00pm.

Bob is to be cremated. A Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Clifton, VA on Saturday, December 14th at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bob’s memory to the American Cancer Society, Dripping Springs Hometown Missions, or an Amputee coalition near you.

Don’t take your organs to Heaven, Heaven knows we need them here.